On February 12th 2014, we lost a dear friend and an amazing human being.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Alan Danielson.

Already an accomplished musician, Alan discovered dance at age 22 and subsequently moved to New York to study with Ruth Currier, who performed in the Limón Dance Company for many years and became the Company Director after José Limón's death. Ten years later he was approached by the Director of the Limón Institute, Norton Owen, to help found the Limón School. Under Alan's guidance, the Professional Studies Program was created in 2001, which is an intensive nine-month program in the Limón technique and repertory that continues today.

Alan was an internationally acclaimed choreographer and master teacher, committed to the contemporary relevance of the Humphrey/Limón movement principles and philosophy. He will be greatly missed at the Limón School, based at Peridance Capezio Center in New York. In addition, Alan was on faculty at New York University and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.

His impact on the thousands of students he reached throughout his career is immeasurable and has left us with an incredible legacy of exceptional dancers and teachers. He was asked once “What would you like to offer young dancers today?” His response was extraordinary: “I would like to share my love for movement – what it feels like and what it projects to those who are watching. I would like to share my joy in working with music and creating with other dancers. I'd like to show them how dance is life, and how it communicates our existence as human beings”.

Rest in peace dear friend – we will love you and miss you forever!

Alan Danielson 1954-2014.

View Messages (13)

I have fond memories of Alan's joyful limon dance classes from my time in nyc. I was planning a visit and hoping to find him at a studio when I learned that he had passed away :(. I know there are many students out there who cherished him as I did and are missing him too. New York City has lost one of its greats.

I just learned today that Alan had passed away earlier this year while I was out of the country. Alan is an amazing dance artist and teacher. His classes and teaching of technique as well as the art of teaching have been invaluable to me and greatly influenced my path in dance. I'm sending my love and prayers out to him wherever he is....

I remember Allan (Al) as a Young Man in High School at Lakeview in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He Was a Trend setter Back then With Long Hair, Which at lakeview was Different for most of us at that time. He Was Kind, Compassionate,a Little on the Shy side and As We found Out Extrememely Talented. After Graduation Al Landed the Role of Jesus in a Youth theater production of Jesus Christ Superstar. What a Performance. We Di almost loose Him when during a Performance using a Make Shift Fly contraption, Al Almost Hung himself. He Managed to Get Loose and Continued the performance Like nothing Ever happened. I sorry to have lost Contact with His Career and To find out about His passing. I am So Glad that He followed His talent to a Successful, But Way to Short, a Career. You touch Many people's hearts even though You may have never known it. Rest in Peace Al.

Alan, not a day goes by without you being in my thoughts, or in my dancing, or in my teaching. You've been such an inspiration all these years. And you continue to be so. Even though I'm so very sad you passed away so young, I'm also equally grateful to have been able to be a part of your pure, intelligent and unconditional love for music and dance.
Gary, thank you so much for posting Alans work here.
My thoughts are with you.

While he was dancing, teaching or sitting in front of the piano, there was always so much love in what he was doing. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know him.
Alan thanks a lot for what you gave me. Your art is in all the people's hearts that you touched. See you!

Alan, a beautiful and inspiring human being. Great friend and mentor. One of the rare people who transmitted with simplicity and honesty his passion for life and mouvement. I'll always be grateful for what he've brought to me, to Dance.
May we continue what was started..

Alan was a beautiful mover, dancer, musician. Generous beyond words. Above all, he was a beautiful human being, the likes of which are rare. I will always be greatful for the time we shared. May he rest in peace and continue to guide us from above...